photo of The 5 Best Patios in Hochatown

Choctaw Country Destinations

By Amanda LaMora

You don’t have to be an outdoor adventurer to appreciate a nice meal on a secluded patio somewhere. There’s something about eating beyond the confines of four walls that elevates the spirit as well as the meal.

Outdoor dining brings intimacy to the table. It can make an evening meal more romantic or turn a business meeting into something more laid back. It opens a space for us to shed our own walls in the unrestricted air. To pass ideas around the table like a basket of freshly baked bread as laughter flows at the pace of a heavy pour of wine. Not to mention, enjoying a meal outside almost always comes with a better view – a tapestry of vibrant greens and mellow blues woven together with the soft susurrus of leaves overhead and the familiar caress of the passing breeze.

The truth is, if there’s patio seating and the weather is right, I’m eating outside.

The area around Broken Bow Lake is a haven of patio dining hotspots. In fact, I’m pretty sure almost everywhere you go in Hochatown is going to have outdoor seating because it’s such a beautiful area. But a list of “everywhere” wouldn’t be helpful. So, here are a few of the more noteworthy places, all of which happen to be pet-friendly. Whether you’re just passing through or just passing the time, these patios are guaranteed settings for memorable experiences.

1. Abendigo’s Grill & Patio
I mean . . . “patio” is in the name. Do I need to say more? I will, though, because this place has it all: coffee bar, tap room, gift shop, live music and an amazing menu. Abendigo’s is all about the atmosphere and this one has all the good vibes.

2. Buffalo Grill
Specializing in barbecue and burgers, Buffalo Grill is an ideal location for a casual hangout with friends and family. Choose from picnic tables or a covered patio and get in on the fun with outdoor yard games, drink specials and live music on the weekends.

3. Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Tap Room
If you’re passing through Hochatown, it’s practically required you visit Grateful Head. Featuring artisanal pizzas, craft brews, live music and a gift shop full of groovy merch, it’s a chill place to fill up and mellow out.

4. The Eat Out
Going to The Eat Out is kind of like attending a neighborhood barbecue – everyone is welcome and, please, make yourself at home. Outside, you’ll find a large yard set up for games like cornhole and disc golf with a central firepit featuring nightly bonfires and s’mores.

5. Beavers Bend Brewery
This brewery is home to some incredible craft brews, but there’s more here than froth and hops. With outdoor activities like cornhole, Jenga and Connect 4, plus live music and a hot dog food truck, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.